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Dear Creative Friend, What helps you arrive—fully present—to your expressive arts practice? For many
of us, the real challenge is learning how to slow down and tune in enough to discover what wants to emerge. In a world that asks us to move faster and produce more, what practices help us return to ourselves? Long before I had language for it, I had a practice. It started many years ago, when I (Kathleen) was just discovering art-making as a wellness practice. Instinctively, before picking up any art materials, I would guide myself into a contemplative space of quiet listening—grounding in breath, body, and connection with the earth. From that place of presence, images would begin to emerge. Over time, I realized this was more than a personal ritual; it had become one of the essential threads running through both my own practice and my work with others. I found myself intuitively creating guided meditations for clients and workshop participants, as a doorway into image-making. Again and again, I have seen how guided meditation can help us soften into presence, awaken imagination, and open creative flow. It connects us with the natural world and
supports us in trusting what emerges, rather than forcing an outcome.
What are you dreaming into being? A Touch Drawing™ image from around
2010
If you have worked with me, you have likely experienced this way of working. All of our complimentary creative resources at EAFI include guided meditations, and I warmly invite you to explore them. There may be one you haven’t yet tried—or one that is calling you to return. In This Moment is the core meditation. Lately, I have been returning to Meeting Unexpected
Change. You can access all of them here, and engage with them whenever the time is right. If you feel moved, I also invite
you to share your images in our Facebook group and allow yourself
to be witnessed in your creative process. First, we become quiet. We settle into presence. Then imagination begins to stir. An image emerges—unexpected, alive. As we give it our attention, it reveals its message. This month, we're offering three invitations into meditative
expressive arts practice. A Moment to Breathe: Tending Your Heart with Art, Meditation, and Nature is a gentle mini-retreat on June 14—a chance to slow down, listen inwardly, and nurture your heart through creative practice. We will be following the Art as a Healing Practice model, with guided meditation, nature-based experience,
art-making, writing and sharing, with space and time to assimilate and renew.
The first session of Imagining the Sacred, a 3-part series with Renee Bhatia and Tamara Knapp, is June 17. It is an invitation to explore longing as a sacred doorway into deeper connection with what calls us
toward greater aliveness. And there is another offering—one that feels especially meaningful to share. Although guided meditation has been a foundational part of my work for many years, it is not something I formally studied or set out to master.
It has evolved intuitively as my own way of entering expressive arts inquiry. It is not guided visualization or journeying. It is an invitation into presence—through breath, body, imagination, and relationship with what wants to be known. Through my partnership with Tamara, the integration of her movement meditations have deepened and expanded this work. Guided meditation is an integral part of most of our workshops and classes. Up until now, we have never taught it directly.
And now we have now created this course. Guided Meditation in Expressive Arts Practice: Supporting Presence, Imagination, and Creative Flow is happening June 26. If this way of working speaks to you, I
hope you will join us. |
And there is so much more coming up! Whether you're looking to deepen your practice, learn new skills or stay connected in community, we have something for you. Anin Utigaard's training is coming up this week. What a great
opportunity to work with one of the founders of IEATA and a pioneer in the field!
Guided Meditation in Expressive Arts Practice (live online) with Kathleen Horne, LMHC, REACE, REAT & Tamara Knapp, MA, NCC, LMHC, REACE - June 26, 2026 | 12:00-5:00 pm ET - Discover how to use guided
meditation as an entryway into the expressive arts process. In this 5 hour workshop you will learn the basics of creating a guided meditation, you'll create your own scripts, lear how to integrate somatic awareness and be given time to practice with others.
A Moment to Breathe: Tending Your Heart with Art, Meditation and Nature (live online mini retreat) with Kathleen Horne, LMHC, REACE, REAT - June 14, 2026 | 12:00-4:00pm ET - Join us Live online for this gentle, reflective mini-retreat to help you slow down, listen inwardly, and nurture your
heart through creative practice. This experience weaves together art-making, meditation, and nature-based exploration to support emotional well-being and soulful presence.
Imagining the Sacred - Deep Calls to Deep: Exploring Longing (live online mini retreat) with Tamara Knapp, MA, NCC, LMHC, REACE & Renee Bhatia, MDIV - June 17, 2026 | 6:00-9:00pm ET - In this workshop, you will deepen your understanding of the relationship between creativity and
spirituality. Through guided meditation, artmaking, movement, and sound exploration, we will explore how the expressive arts can open us to deeper connection; with ourselves, with our longings, and with the sacred presence that calls us toward greater awareness, meaning, and aliveness. *This course is the first in a 3-part series. You can purchase all 3 courses at a discounted rate by clicking
here.
If you feel called to explore things more deeply, we invite you to join us in one of the upcoming offerings below. Registration is now open for the following events! |
NEW!!! Save the Date for the following events! Take a look at what's coming up for the rest of 2026! Registration
will open soon for these training workshops.
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Featured Self-Study Course
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Emerge Through expressive arts practice, discover what is emerging for you in this expressive arts self-study course. Be guided to follow the little voice inside that opens up a path to what comes next. The “next” that you do not know yet. The part that is still a mystery but seems to be calling to you. *No
previous art experience necessary
All self-study courses contain detailed, yet approachable instructions, videos, and meditations facilitated by Kathleen & Tamara.
The imagery and guidance from this work can assist you, whether dipping your toes into expressive arts or seeking a deeper connection. *All courses come with lifetime access so you can refer back to them at any time! *No previous art experience is necessary!
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Tamara is accepting new clients in Florida seeking therapy services and support using expressive arts to heal and grow. Using her years of creative practice and a compassionate approach, she is able to help clients access their inner strengths and
create the change they most want in their lives. To inquire about services, you can go HERE, call/text 941-444-9585 or email [email protected]
With gratitude and love, Kathleen, Tamara, and the Expressive Arts Florida Institute Team
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